Heavier Lucas targets impact

12 June 2009 12:37

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes his new heavyweight approach to the Premier League will reap its rewards next season.
The 22-year-old Brazilian is yet to establish himself as a first-team regular at Anfield two years after his arrival from South American club Gremio.
But after gaining weight this season, the defensive midfielder believes he is ready to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.
"I have gained some weight this season and that has helped me be more prepared to play with the demands you face in England," he told the club's official website.
"I have gained four kilos since I arrived and that's a lot. In my first season, being very honest, I had a problem with physical games.
"Last season, with the extra weight, I felt I could challenge anyone physically and go from one box to the other like I did in Brazil.
"Maybe it has taken me 18 months to get my body physically into the shape that it needed to be in to play my best in England, but I feel that it is coming now for me and I am excited about my future prospects at Liverpool."